President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as promised to lead Nigeria into an era of economic prosperity, noting that the economic reforms introduced by his administration are beginning to bear positive fruits.
Tinubu stated this following spats of his endorsements by various organs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential poll.
President Tinubu stated this an the APC National Policy Summit tagged: Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far, held at the State House Conference Centre at Aso Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
The organs of the APC that have adopted Tinubu as their sole candidate are, the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), National Working Committee (NWC) and members of the party in the National Assembly.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to leading Nigeria into a new era of prosperity. This is as he said the “economic reforms” introduced by his administration are working.
“With your support, with your determination, with your resilience, you just believe in our democracy. The endorsement today, the ‘carry-go’ inspiration; I know road. We will lead you on to that Promised Land,” Tinubu assured the party faithful.
The summit, which attracted top APC chieftains and stakeholders, served as a platform to review the administration’s performance. And to restate its policy direction.
Reflecting on the two years since his inauguration, President Tinubu highlighted the economic challenges his administration inherited. Just as he pointed out the bold steps taken to restore national stability.
The President specifically cited the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange windows as necessary – though painful – reforms.
He said, “We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and of unborn babies ahead of their birth. You don’t commit abortion after the baby is born. That’s murder.”
Just as he emphasized that these reforms, while unpopular with certain elites, have begun to yield positive results. These include an uptick in foreign direct investment and greater macroeconomic stability.
He said, “Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023. But we have made progress. By implementing difficult, long overdue, but necessary economic reforms. Our economic reforms are working.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the difficulties ordinary Nigerians have faced due to his administration’s policy decisions. The, however, urged for patience and perseverance, assuring that the sacrifices being made will lead to a more prosperous future.
He said, “They fought us with everything at their disposal, but we never said die. We are on. Those selfish elites today must salute the courage of every one of you. Salute Nigerians for their perseverance, their patience, their resiliency.”
Highlighting ongoing anti-corruption efforts, Tinubu pointed to a major asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which reportedly retrieved over 750 properties from a single individual.
He said, “How fast would you have reconstructed this country if you allowed the arbitrage in the exchange rate to continue? That is the grandmother, father of corruption.”
Tinubu also appealed to the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of pending tax reform Bills. He called out the Senate President and Speaker to act fast in this regard.
“I hope the bills are passed and will be on their way,” he said.
Tinubu stated that his administration is redirecting public funds towards essential sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“We have redirected the easy money away from currency speculators and greedy barons. We have directed those funds to healthcare, education and infrastructure”, he said.
The President, however, urged Nigerians to resist discouragement from critics and to continue supporting the administration’s vision.
“They will continue to abuse, criticize us. Keep faith, my dear brothers and sisters. Be courageous. Confront them. To those who are still contemplating to bail out of their ships, leave them in their empty noise-making vessels”, Tinubu said.
He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to look beyond the temporary discomfort and embrace the long-term benefits of difficult decisions.
“We must persevere. Not because I simply say so, but because it is correct. It is not the easy way out—to bankrupt the nation and leave our house to fall apart”, he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the concerns of citizens over basic amenities. He noted that “it’s a shame if today, there are communities without potable water.”
This is as he emphasized his government’s resolve to address such social deficits.
Tinubu also urged patience among party loyalists. He said, “To many of you I have not offered political positions, just be patient. There’re so many things coming that will be great, and you’ll be proud of belonging to this party.”
The President called for unity and national renewal. This is as he pledged continued commitment to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” as Nigeria charts its path toward industrialization and sustainable development.
He said, “We are the progressives, we’re a happy family. We will trudge on and shoulder on. If in just the first two years we are where we are today, then the next few years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision.”
source: The Nation